Chord Qutest Home Demo

Posted by: SongStream on 26 February 2018

When I first joined the Naim forum about four years ago after purchasing a DAC-V1, I was quite surprised find the product getting the most praise was made by Chord.  For a good while it seemed as though if you were looking to address any issue with a system, and there wasn't already a Hugo in it, well, there's your problem.  Not really true, but you know what I mean.  I didn't doubt the talents of the Chord DACs, the frustration for me was they didn't make the product I wanted in every sense.  Now though, there is the Qutest.  No batteries, no headphone amp, heavy enough to stay put with hefty cables attached, an output well matched to my Naim amp (SN2), and apparently one of the most advanced and effective DAC designs in the world to boot.  A big tick then, so I thought I'd get one to try.

When you put the Qutest on a shelf next to a DAC-V1, it really does look like a David vs Goliath situation, and its frankly pathetic looking phone-charger-esque power supply and mini USB chord does little to inspire confidence.  Still, I had high hopes, but based on reviews, and even some comments here about the Hugo 2 on which it is based, led to fears that it would be highly detailed, but a bit too lean, thin, and ultimately uninvolving musical experience for me.   

So....is the Qutest a giant slayer?  Well....yeah, it kind of is, and its character is quite different to my expectations.

The hifi-speak section -

(Bear in mind this is the only chord DAC I've spent any meaningful time listening to, and the comparisons are against the DAC-V1, and within my system, I've not heard it in any other configuration.)

Amoung my first impressions were that the bass notes were deeper, but less bloated and much more agile compared to my normal experience.  I wasn't overly surprised by that.  The top-end was smoother and less aggressive, and the upper mids sounded less shouty.  I wasn't surprised by that.  I was surprised that the lower-mids, and upper-bass, were the things I was really hearing much more prominently with Qutest.  All this combined means a weighty wholesome sound; I guess the linear frequency response is not just a spec sheet claim, and really worked in my system.

The dynamics of this little monster are probably the biggest strength.  Whether a track builds gradually, or comes in suddenly, when everything kicks off, the Qutest makes the whole experience really exciting, building anticipation, and delivering real slam when the moment comes.  It is really impressive.  Even when a recording has little dynamic range to work with, it really does seem to extract every opportunity to deliver contrast, and it can make some of the most compressed recordings quite exciting.  While the same talents are evident with the best recordings I know of, its ability to turn mainstream compressed pop and rock recordings into something more engaging is endearing.  It delivers good ol' rock 'n' roll with relentless power and stability, and accoustic jazz with both subtlety and slam as required.  

Then there is the detail on offer.  Make no mistake, despite the punchy, full bodied, and slightly, by comparison at least, recessed highs, the resolution of the Qutest is beyond anything else I have heard by some margin.  I would not describe it as 'airy' at all, but I guess these terms mean different things to other people, and influenced by system, but solid, insightful, and coherent would better words to sum up the performance for me.  

I'd love to ramble on more about what the Qutest brings to individual tracks and albums, but I've only had the thing for a couple of days, and it is due to be going back to my dealer tomorrow.  Therefore, my listening has been erratic to say the least.  In fact, it's only tonight that I've been listening to whole albums and just enjoying it, having made the observations above in a limited time frame. 

The Qutest is pretty damn good though, not 'night and day' vs the V1 in many ways, not 'jaw dropping', its too subtle for that, just supremely competent and enjoyable without showing off.  Yes, I'll have one, thanks. 

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Innocent Bystander
Minh Nguyen posted:
Innocent Bystander posted:
Minh Nguyen posted:
No quarter posted:

I had the Hugo 2 for a month in my system,and my thoughts mirror yours,I hated the small connections,but loved the sound.Now I am looking hard at the Dave.

Hi SongStream: You have my apologies for slightly derailing your thread. ATB Minh

I had a listen to a DAVE/552/Active 500/DBL system and I found it to be rather bright and difficult to appreciate over a long session. If the CDX is affectionately known as the glass cutter, DAVE could be affectionately known as the ear piercer. You may not find it to your liking. On the day of the audition, TonyM (our delightful and gracious host) along with DB, Foot Tapper and JN were 'shielding' ourselves from the carnage. I've never heard a system 'spit' at me to such a degree that I had to cover my ears for protection. The predecessor to DAVE was a delight to listen to in comparison. My response should not be construed as an attempt to discourage you. It's possible that the conditions were not optimal for a fair assessment of the dichotomy. 

That description of Dave does not at all accord with my experience. (What was the source?)

Interestingly, TonyM has more recently reported here that he has tried Dave again and found he likes it.

 

Thank you for updating me. You have my apologies for my prolonged absence: I have not been able to fully catch up on the past three years. It was not my intention to bring DAVE into disrepute. Please forgive my ignorance. 

No forgiveness needed - and as FT has noted, your post was not in error, just missing some more recent information.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by analogmusic

1) Dave is not harsh. 

2) Dave is not the benchmark to beat anymore.

3) Blu2 + Dave - that is possibly the very best digital source on the planet.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Jude2012
Bob the Builder posted:
Jude2012 posted:

Good to read this review.  I have been contemplating doing an audition and this has made me decide not to.

I'll carry on enjoying the V1 and see what Naim and Chord bring out.  I'm sure that, like shaving razors around Xmas, Chord will bring out another 'improved' version in 12 to 18 months

What would be more exciting is to see a DAC from Naim that matches the impending Network Streamers in SQ (assuming that the Streamers have better SQ than the DACs).

 

Why would someone elses review make you not want to audition a product you were previously considering? That's like saying I'm not going to try that apple tart because some random guy on a forum said he didn't like the taste of it. 

 

Why bother with a forum, reviews, ads, trade shows , then? 

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by SongStream

I sense a Rob Watts says.... moment, is inevitable at this point.  

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Bob the Builder
Jude2012 posted:
Bob the Builder posted:
Jude2012 posted:

Good to read this review.  I have been contemplating doing an audition and this has made me decide not to.

I'll carry on enjoying the V1 and see what Naim and Chord bring out.  I'm sure that, like shaving razors around Xmas, Chord will bring out another 'improved' version in 12 to 18 months

What would be more exciting is to see a DAC from Naim that matches the impending Network Streamers in SQ (assuming that the Streamers have better SQ than the DACs).

 

Why would someone elses review make you not want to audition a product you were previously considering? That's like saying I'm not going to try that apple tart because some random guy on a forum said he didn't like the taste of it. 

 

Why bother with a forum, reviews, ads, trade shows , then? 

Trust your own ears?

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Jude2012
Bob the Builder posted:
Jude2012 posted:
Bob the Builder posted:
Jude2012 posted:

Good to read this review.  I have been contemplating doing an audition and this has made me decide not to.

I'll carry on enjoying the V1 and see what Naim and Chord bring out.  I'm sure that, like shaving razors around Xmas, Chord will bring out another 'improved' version in 12 to 18 months

What would be more exciting is to see a DAC from Naim that matches the impending Network Streamers in SQ (assuming that the Streamers have better SQ than the DACs).

 

Why would someone elses review make you not want to audition a product you were previously considering? That's like saying I'm not going to try that apple tart because some random guy on a forum said he didn't like the taste of it. 

 

Why bother with a forum, reviews, ads, trade shows , then? 

Trust your own ears?

I usually do. However, on this occasion, Songstream’s  review is good enough for me, as it is not hyped.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by SongStream

There are so many variables that any review, including my own above, is near enough meaningless. I just wanted to share my thoughts.  It's not advertising, or consumer advice, just my perspective; I literally don't care if anyone else agrees with my assessment, or decides to follow suit.  I might have presented a pretty matter of fact account of the Qutest, but it's just my opinion,  with my electronics, interconnects,, speakers, speaker cable, room, and taste blah etc.  

When I was demoing speakers 6 months ago, a 2qute was used between a laptop and SN2.  I heard the combo sound wonderful, and also chuffing awful. Point is, if you have a system that is delivering well for your own tastes with a DAC-V1, the Qutest is unlikely to be anything other than a marked improvement in my view.  If there are more fundamental issues, such a switch is unlikely to cure them.  In fact, it might emphasize the failings even  more.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by fatcat

Songstream

My advise is, if you buy the chord DAC don’t sell the V1 straight away. After a couple of months using the chord swap in the V1 and decide which you prefer.

I bought a MOjo, ultimately I found it a bit boring, although I must say after I sorted the cables out, with some types of music it sounded superb. I listen to a wide variety of musical genres, and came to the conclusion some pretty old CD players where giving me more musical enjoyment.

 

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by SongStream
fatcat posted:

Songstream

My advise is, if you buy the chord DAC don’t sell the V1 straight away. After a couple of months using the chord swap in the V1 and decide which you prefer.

I bought a MOjo, ultimately I found it a bit boring, although I must say after I sorted the cables out, with some types of music it sounded superb. I listen to a wide variety of musical genres, and came to the conclusion some pretty old CD players where giving me more musical enjoyment.

 

I can't sell the V1, it's the only grounded input on my SN2.  The old SN2 gets quite upset if left with the Qutest as the only input, it 'buzzes like a fridge' without it.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Innocent Bystander
fatcat posted:

Songstream

My advise is, if you buy the chord DAC don’t sell the V1 straight away. After a couple of months using the chord swap in the V1 and decide which you prefer.

I bought a MOjo, ultimately I found it a bit boring, although I must say after I sorted the cables out, with some types of music it sounded superb. I listen to a wide variety of musical genres, and came to the conclusion some pretty old CD players where giving me more musical enjoyment.

 

Bear in mind that tge Mojo is the most lowly of the current Chord DACs, well below the top ones - costing a ridiculously low £400 it may be phenominal VFM, but it is only a third the cost of Qutest or the old Hugo1, less than a 1/4 Hugo2 ...and less than the negotiable price drop of Dave.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Mayor West

Nice write up Songstream. I moved from Dac-V1 to Hugo a while back and it was a major upgrade for me in every sense. Without wanting to incite hyperbole, the first track I played on Hugo literally blew my head off with the additional information I could hear. In general though I found Hugo to provide a much more analogue sound (whatever that means!) and a generally easier yet more involving listen with detail and insight in spades. 2Qute didn't hit the spot for me so the idea of the Qutest certainly appeals as I don't need the headphone amp or portability of Hugo. Your review has given me the incentive to at least give it a go at some point

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by No quarter
analogmusic posted:

1) Dave is not harsh. 

2) Dave is not the benchmark to beat anymore.

3) Blu2 + Dave - that is possibly the very best digital source on the planet.

I have to agree Analog,I have heard the blu2/Dave combo several times at my local dealers home...never heard digital sound more lifelike/Analog.He just picked up a pair of Dynaudio Contour C20s in walnut,which are replacing Focal Sopra 1s,and I plan to go listen to the Blu2/Dave/Contour combo very soon,and this is when I will pressure him to lend me the Dave for my own home demo.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Innocent Bystander
Mayor West posted:

Nice write up Songstream. I moved from Dac-V1 to Hugo a while back and it was a major upgrade for me in every sense. Without wanting to incite hyperbole, the first track I played on Hugo literally blew my head off with the additional information I could hear. In general though I found Hugo to provide a much more analogue sound (whatever that means!) and a generally easier yet more involving listen with detail and insight in spades. 2Qute didn't hit the spot for me so the idea of the Qutest certainly appeals as I don't need the headphone amp or portability of Hugo. Your review has given me the incentive to at least give it a go at some point

Erm, if it literally blew your head off, the surgeons have done a remarkable job sewing it back on (someone less kind might come to some other conclusion as to where your voice now comes from........

 

Sorry, coundn’t help pick up on your desired avoidance of hyperbole!

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by fatcat

I found that the first track of an album always SOUNDED superb with the mojo. But after 3 or 4 tracks I started to lose interest. That's an ideal situation if you like jump from artist to artist. But not if you like to listen to an album from start to finish.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by No quarter

One big advantage the Qutest has over the older Chord DACs,is ALL of its inputs are galvanically isolated,so no need for ferrites or external isolators.Even the Dave benefits from ferrites apparently when using the blu2 with it.I suspect that those that found Chord products tiring after a few songs may of needed ferrites around the cables,because I had a bunch around the cable when I demo’d the H2,and I could listen all day long with no trouble.I really think Rob Watts became aware of these issues with his DACs as people started experimenting,and addressed the issue with his latest DAC (Qutest)

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Frank Yang

Rob Watts may be right when he said optical was the best for the Chord DACs, I have actually experimented with all kinds of cables, and external isolators. and finally I have personally concluded that the simple optical spdif gives me the best SQ.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by mackb3

I have a 2Qute and NDAC. I've been back and forth for months on end ultimately sticking with the NDAC. It's just smoother. Yes the 2Qute is amazing for its price compared to the NDAC and is very detailed and musical but a little grating I think due to the output voltage mismatch with my 282. My source is an NDX. My Joseph Audio Perspectives speakers are extremely revealing and probably exacerbate the 2Qute's sharpness to a degree. The newest version with the ability to regulate output voltage should go a long way in matching the Naim preamps. Lastly the NDAC versatility in switching is nice. As always system synergy is very important.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by analogmusic

I’ve owned Mojo for 2 years and listen to it for couple of hours every day.

I never find it boring. On the contrary it’s one of the most involving sources I’ve heard.

I have found it works best with audioquest jitterbug and also vertere interconnects.

the chord clearway interconnect is good but the vertere Dfi simply another league in musicality and dynamics.

 

 

 

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Brilliant

USB signal conditioning seems to improve on a continuing basis. There are new products out there that can be used with  older DACs of sound design (e.g. V1) that effectively improve their signal resolution

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Innocent Bystander
No quarter posted:

One big advantage the Qutest has over the older Chord DACs,is ALL of its inputs are galvanically isolated,so no need for ferrites or external isolators.Even the Dave benefits from ferrites apparently when using the blu2 with it.I suspect that those that found Chord products tiring after a few songs may of needed ferrites around the cables,because I had a bunch around the cable when I demo’d the H2,and I could listen all day long with no trouble.I really think Rob Watts became aware of these issues with his DACs as people started experimenting,and addressed the issue with his latest DAC (Qutest)

I think this may be mixing things up. Galvanic isolation is different from RF suppression with ferrites - an RF signal superimposed on the digital signal will not be stopped by galvanic isolation alone.  My understanding is that even with galvanic isolation  ferrites may still help improve things where RF is present. 

@Simon-in-Suffolk has more technical knowledge here than I, with both his knowledge of digital and radio, so may be able to give a more definitive assessment.

Posted on: 28 February 2018 by Innocent Bystander
Frank Yang posted:

Rob Watts may be right when he said optical was the best for the Chord DACs, I have actually experimented with all kinds of cables, and external isolators. and finally I have personally concluded that the simple optical spdif gives me the best SQ.

Actually, whilst he said that of Hugo,  with both TT and Dave he  said that usb is better than optical. I’m not aware of whethervhe has propnounced in respect of Qutest.

Posted on: 28 February 2018 by james n

Both connection methods have advantages and disadvantages - lots of variables here.

Try both and see which one works for you.

Posted on: 28 February 2018 by tonym

After various experiments, I've discovered that the USB inputs of both my old QBD76HDSD and DAVE are best for sound quality, input from a Melco N1-Z. If anyone wants to achieve excellent galvanic isolation I can heartily recommend the iFi USB3 isolator.

Posted on: 28 February 2018 by SongStream

I've always thought the USB input on the DAC-V1 bettered the SPDIF inputs, but then again the transports were always different too, so not really a fair comparison.  Certainly the Qutest sounds remarkably happy via the USB input, so I've no reason to suspect that it's a weak link.

Posted on: 28 February 2018 by analogmusic
tonym posted:

After various experiments, I've discovered that the USB inputs of both my old QBD76HDSD and DAVE are best for sound quality, input from a Melco N1-Z. If anyone wants to achieve excellent galvanic isolation I can heartily recommend the iFi USB3 isolator.

Hi Tony congratulations on Dave. I'm glad you finally bought one.

How did you make it work in your system (as it didn't sound great before?)

Also keen to get your impressions on QBD76 VS Dave.